This document provides an overview of early human history and civilization. It discusses the differences between prehistory and history, and defines key terms like culture, civilization, archaeology, and artifacts. The Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages are summarized. During the Paleolithic, humans were hunter-gatherers who developed tools and fire. The Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons inhabited Europe and developed art. In the Neolithic, humans transitioned to farming and settled into early villages which led to specialization of skills and development of governance and religion.